International Technology Transfer (ITT) Projects and Development of Technological Capabilities in Malaysian Construction Industry: A Conceptual Framework

Roshana Takim,Abdul Hadi Nawawi,Roshartini Omar

doi:10.5539/ass.v4n8p38

Abstract

The International Technology Transfer (ITT) projects has emerged as an important business and managerial concern to many developing countries across the globe as well as Malaysia. ITT projects according to many researchers involve the cross-boarder transfer of technology with the main purpose to enhance the local technology capabalities in response to a changing economic environment. These technology transfer projects could be viewed in the form of knowledge (soft technology), skill, and tools (hard technology) which usually congregate from advanced countries to the developing countries through construction project development.Numerous modes (known as channels) of ITT could occur from the public and private firms of advanced countries to private and public sector locally. Some of the channels are considered effective while others are regarded as less effective. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are three folds; to investigate the major channels of international technology transfer (ITT) projects in Malaysia and how these channels and technology capabilities are diffused within the Malaysian construction industry. Finally, a conceptual framework is proposed for a successful ITT and development of technological capabilities for the Malaysian construction industry.

Highlights

The phenomenon of ‘international technology transfer’ or ITT projects has emerged as an important business and managerial concern to developing countries
The study presents an early research purely based on literature review on the understanding of international technology transfer (ITT) projects and development of technological capabilities in Malaysian construction industry taking into consideration the soft and hard issues of ITT, numerous channels of ITT, and the concept of diffusion in ITT projects
This research attempt to investigate International Technology Transfer (ITT) and development of technological capabilities in Malaysian Constructions Industry which reinforces the issues of types of technology transfer, channels of technology transfer, technology capabilities, the involvement of stakeholders, the benefits and barriers that could emerged in ITT

Summary

Introduction

The phenomenon of ‘international technology transfer’ or ITT projects has emerged as an important business and managerial concern to developing countries. The main purpose of ITT projects is to enhance the local technological capabilities which, according to many researchers need to be improved and upgraded continuously (Saad et al 2002; Putranto et al 2003; Wie, 2003). In this respect, the construction industry is targeted due to the fact that the ITT transaction encompasses extensive and significant project based work throughout the four phases of project life cycle starting from the strategy formulation, procurement, construction, and project completion phase (Takim, 2005). The study presents an early research purely based on literature review on the understanding of international technology transfer (ITT) projects and development of technological capabilities in Malaysian construction industry taking into consideration the soft and hard issues of ITT, numerous channels of ITT, and the concept of diffusion in ITT projects

Basic Concept

Statement of Research Problem

Structure of Construction Sector

Technology Transfer Models

Propose Research Framework

Conclusion